Mitterrand To Name New Prime Minister Conservative Opponent To Take Key Post In French Government

March 18, 1986|By WASHINGTON POST

PARIS — Socialist President Francois Mitterrand said Monday night he will appoint one of his conservative political opponents to head a new government ''tomorrow'' after a narrow opposition victory in France's parliamentary elections.

In a television broadcast, Mitterrand said he was prepared to let a new right-wing government implement an electoral platform that differs in many respects from that of the outgoing left-wing administration. He also served notice that he intends to retain an important role for himself, particularly in foreign policy.

In the aftermath of the election, Mitterrand was seen in Paris as having succeeded in transforming an electoral defeat into a political victory by shrewd political tactics that served to prevent the formation of a solid majority opposing him in the new National Assembly.

The outgoing Socialist prime minister, Laurent Fabius, met for 90 minutes Monday with Mitterrand and offered his resignation. It will not become effective until a new prime minister is nominated.

The appointment of a right-wing prime minister will mark the first time in the 28-year history of France's Fifth Republic that the key executive post has not been filled by someone politically loyal to the president.

In the past, presidents from Charles de Gaulle onward have been able to impose their will on the government and the National Assembly.

The constitution gives the president power to appoint anyone he chooses, while allowing the National Assembly to reject his candidates if it regards them as unsuitable.

With two results from France's overseas territories still to be declared, the mainstream right-wing parties have an overall majority of two seats in the 577-seat chamber.